EP2220465A2 - A fluid level sensor - Google Patents
A fluid level sensorInfo
- Publication number
- EP2220465A2 EP2220465A2 EP08849808A EP08849808A EP2220465A2 EP 2220465 A2 EP2220465 A2 EP 2220465A2 EP 08849808 A EP08849808 A EP 08849808A EP 08849808 A EP08849808 A EP 08849808A EP 2220465 A2 EP2220465 A2 EP 2220465A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- float
- fluid level
- level sensor
- cavity
- guide
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/30—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by floats
- G01F23/64—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by floats of the free float type without mechanical transmission elements
- G01F23/72—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by floats of the free float type without mechanical transmission elements using magnetically actuated indicating means
Definitions
- Fuel level sensor finds application for sensing the level of fuel in a fuel tank.
- a fuel level ⁇ sensor comprising grooved aluminium tube, a float (70) with magnet (71), flange (40) with integral connector (41), PCB assembly (90) with Reed Switches and Resistor, Bottom cover (80).
- the float cavity (62) is in the grooved profile of Aluminium tube, which is rigidly fixed to the flange (40).
- the PCB Assembly (90) along with reed switches and resistor is connected to the terminals in the integral connector (41) in the flange (40).
- the float (70) moves up and down based on the fuel level, which in turn activates a particular reed switch by magnetic effect between the magnet in the float (70) and the terminals in the reed switch. Hence the circuit closes up to the particular reed switch.
- the resistance value against the reed switch is received as the output from the Fuel gauge.
- Primary objective of instant invention is to develop a fluid level sensor, comprising a float guide (60) having a float cavity (62) with a covering (63), mounted onto a flange (40) wherein the flange is provided with a rib (51);
- Still anther objective of the present invention is to develop a float (70) which slides along the float cavity (62) during variation of the fluid level, wherein the float cavity (62) makes point contacts with the float (70).
- Yet another objective of the present invention is a PCB assembly (90) placed along the float guide (60) for fluid level indication, and magnet (71) mounted onto the float (70) activates reed switch (93) of the PCB assembly (90) to indicate the fluid level.
- a fluid level sensor comprising: a guide body (10) having a float cavity (62) with a covering (63), mounted onto a flange (40) wherein the flange is provided with a rib (51), a float (70) which slides along the float cavity (62) during variation of the fluid level, wherein the float cavity (62) makes point contacts with the float (70), a PCB assembly (90) placed along the guide body (10) for fluid level indication, and magnet (71) mounted onto the float (70) activates reed switch (93) of the PCB assembly (90) to indicate the fluid level.
- FIG 1 Shows front perspective view of the Fuel level Sensor
- Figure 2 Shows block drawing of the instant invention with different parts of it
- Figure 3 Shows a reed switch (70)
- FIG. 4 Shows view of the Flange (40) with integral connector (41) of the Fuel level
- Figure 5 Shows view of the Flange (40) with increased skirt length (50) and extra rib (51).
- Figure 6 Shows perspective view of float guide (60) of the Fuel level Sensor.
- Figure 7 Shows perspective view of the Float Assembly of the Fuel level Sensor.
- Figure 8 Shows perspective view of bottom cover for float guide
- Figure 9 Shows PCB assembly (90) with reed switches and resistors
- Figure 10 Shows a float stopper (100) to restrict the movement of the float
- Figure 11 Shows bottom grommet to restrict flow of fluid in the compartment.
- a fluid level sensor of the instant discloser finds application for sensing fuel level in a fuel tank.
- a fluid level sensor of the instant discloser is shown in figure 1.
- the various parts of the fluid level sensor are float guide (60), a float (70) with magnet, flange (40) with integral connector (41), PCB assembly (90) with Reed Switches (91) and Resistors (92), Bottom cover (80) and a grqmmet (110).
- the various parts of the fluid level sensor are shown in figure 2.
- the guide body (10) shown in figure 1 has a float guide (60) which is a grooved profile of Aluminium tube is rigidly fixed to the flange (40).
- the guide body (10) comprises the Aluminium tube (60) with a float (70) which slides along the tube (60).
- a PCB assembly (90) having reed switches (91) and resistors (92) which is placed along the length of the float guide (60).
- the PCB is placed parallel to the Aluminium tube (60).
- the float (70) carrying a magnet is so designed such that it would not rotate when it is in the float cavity (62).
- the PCB assembly (90) along with reed switches and resistors is connected to the terminals in the integral connector (41) in the flange (40).
- the float moves up and down based on the fuel level, which in turn activates a particular reed switch by magnetic effect between the magnet in the float and the terminals in the reed switch. Hence the circuit closes up to the particular reed switch.
- the resistance value against the reed switch is received as the output from the Fuel gauge.
- the guide body (10) is fixed to a flange (40) as shown in figure 4 and 5, where the flange (40) is provided with the integral connector (41).
- the purpose of the integral connector (41) is to ease the routing the wiring assembly in the assembly fitment.
- This connector (41) has connection with wires from the PCB of the PCB assembly (90) internally.
- the flange (40) skirt length (50) and extra rib (51) as shown in figure 5 is so provided to increase the holding strength of the guide body (10) to withstand resonance frequency.
- the fuel level sensor get resonance frequency which will affect/damage the sensor.
- additional rib is provided in the flange (40) to withstand the required resonance frequency. Resonance frequency is around 70Hz.
- Float guide (60) as shone in figure 6 has a float cavity (62) provided for the float to slide along the float guide.
- the float cavity (62) makes point contact with the float.
- the point contacts (64) are as shown in the figure 6.
- the illustration example in the figure 6 shows a float guide (60) with 3 point contacts provided for the float along the length of the float cavity. These , point contacts helps in reducing the amount of friction, wear and tear due to surface contact of the float with the float cavity. Smooth movement of the float along the float guide (60) is also assured due to point contacts. Further, problems due to introduction of foreign particles, if any, in to the cavity (62) will not hinder the float movement since the float is in point contact with the float cavity.
- the float cavity (62) is formed by the covering (63) completely covers the float in its path.
- the cavity (62) thus provides protection to the float which could be damaged during installation time. This also helps in reducing the variation of the float level due to splashing of the fluid on the float or ripples created in the fluid. This is one of the common problems seen in the application of fluid level sensors for vehicles subject to wild fluctuations in the fluid level due to movement of the vehicle in rough terrain.
- the float guide (60) as shown in figure 6 has a compartment (61) were the PCB is inserted. Guide ribs are provided in the compartment (61)to fix the PCB in tact.
- the float guide (60) is so designed such that it forms the skeleton for the float cavity (62) and the compartment (61) thus reducing the amount of material required to manufacture the float guide (60).
- This compartment (61) (54) is provided with sufficient space for the PCB assembly (90) to fit in.
- the float guide (60) is made up of Aluminium or plastic or poly acetal like Delrin based on the requirements of the flexi fuel.
- the float (70) is fitted with a magnet (71).
- the float is designed to have blind cavity and not a through cavity to fix the magnet (71). This is having an advantage to fix the magnet in the ideal position and more rigid.
- the float contour is designed to make point contact instead of surface contact with the float cavity (62) to avoid friction/wear in the float movement.
- the float is made out of hard rubber sponge using 14 chemical compositions bonding to have compatible with flexi fuel. The composition is varied in such a way that it suits the requirement of the flexi fuel.
- the length and the width of the float so designed that it moves along the cavity (62) with no rotation of the float relative to the guide (60) in the path.
- the float is loosely placed in the cavity (62).
- the compartment (61) in the float guide (60) is provided with a bottom grommet (110) as shown in figure 11. This restricts the fuel entry into the compartment.
- the float guide (60) is provided with a bottom cover (80) (see figure 8) to stop the float movement outside the float cavity (62).
- This cover has a provision provided in it for fuel to enter in to the float cavity (62).
- An opening (81) is provided though which fluid enters in to the float cavity (62) which will lift the float. Because of small opening in the bottom cover for the fluid to enter it also helps in reducing the variation of the float level due to splashing of the fluid on the float or ripples created in the fluid.
- the opening can be optionally fitted with filters to prohibit foreign bodies entering the float cavity (62).
- Figure 9 shows the PCB assembly (90) having reed switches and resistors arranged on it. Distance at which each reed switch is place on the PCB determines the resolution of the fuel level sensor. The reed switches and resistors are placed directly proportional to twice the mounting angle of reed switch position to have relevant activation of reed switch without interruption between to and fro values.
- float stopper or plug (100) as shown in figure 10 is provided in the float cavity (62) to restrict the movement of the float above a certain height from the bottom side.
- Conventional sensing devices for use in sensing the liquid level in fuel tanks includes a tube having separate cavity for PCB assembly (90) and a grooved path for movement of float assembly.
- This invention relates to tubular fuel level sensors for use with vehicle fuel tanks such as Car, LCV, HCV, off road vehicle, snowmobiles, etc.
- An indicating instrument will be used in conjunction with the fuel sensor to read the fuel level in the tank.
- Reed switches are hermetically sealed in glass environment, free from contamination, and are safe to use in harsh industrial and explosive environments. • Reed switches are immune to electrostatic discharge (ESD) and do not require any external ESD protection circuits.
- the isolation resistance between the contacts is as high as 1015 ohms, and contact resistance is as low as 50 milliohms.
- Reed switches can directly switch loads as low as a few microwatts without needing external amplification circuits, to as high as 120W.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IN2616CH2007 | 2007-11-12 | ||
IN2132CH2008 | 2008-09-01 | ||
PCT/IN2008/000682 WO2009063506A2 (en) | 2007-11-12 | 2008-10-16 | A fluid level sensor |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2220465A2 true EP2220465A2 (en) | 2010-08-25 |
EP2220465A4 EP2220465A4 (en) | 2011-01-26 |
Family
ID=40639293
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP08849808A Withdrawn EP2220465A4 (en) | 2007-11-12 | 2008-10-16 | A fluid level sensor |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2220465A4 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0820044A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2705503A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2010005219A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009063506A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN106895894A (en) * | 2017-02-23 | 2017-06-27 | 武汉世纪水元科技股份有限公司 | A kind of portable water-proof type wireless electron water gauge |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ITTO20120411A1 (en) * | 2012-05-08 | 2013-11-09 | Start Italiana S R L | LEVEL PROBE. |
CN105486384A (en) * | 2015-12-24 | 2016-04-13 | 柳州市通顺汽车部件有限责任公司 | Liquid level early-warning device |
RU2745667C2 (en) * | 2017-04-10 | 2021-03-30 | Владимир Фридрихович Копервас | Method for indicating liquid level (options) |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0016929A1 (en) * | 1979-03-31 | 1980-10-15 | VDO Adolf Schindling AG | Device for monitoring a supply of liquid lubricant in a motor vehicle |
WO1982004316A1 (en) * | 1981-06-05 | 1982-12-09 | Gordon Bryce Fraser | Fluid level indicator |
GB2178238A (en) * | 1985-07-06 | 1987-02-04 | Teves Gmbh Alfred | Fluid reservoir filling level indicating device |
FR2608758A1 (en) * | 1984-11-19 | 1988-06-24 | Seurin Henri | Level-detector and alarm bath accessory device |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4084436A (en) * | 1975-12-01 | 1978-04-18 | Rtr Incorporated | Fuel oil level measuring apparatus |
JP2000241233A (en) * | 1999-02-18 | 2000-09-08 | Aichi Electric Co Ltd | Liquid level detecting apparatus |
RU2178873C2 (en) * | 2000-04-19 | 2002-01-27 | Открытое акционерное общество "Авиационный научно-технический комплекс им. А.Н. Туполева" | Transmitter-alarm of parametric and signal information on level of liquid and system measuring level of liquid in closed vessel |
JP3645789B2 (en) * | 2000-04-28 | 2005-05-11 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | Liquid level sensor |
ITTO20030097A1 (en) * | 2003-02-11 | 2004-08-12 | Fiat Ricerche | LEVEL SENSOR DEVICE FOR A TANK OF |
WO2007106964A1 (en) * | 2006-03-20 | 2007-09-27 | RESCIGNO, Sérgio Ricardo | Magnetic resistive fuel level sensor for automotive vehicles and similar |
-
2008
- 2008-10-16 CA CA2705503A patent/CA2705503A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2008-10-16 BR BRPI0820044 patent/BRPI0820044A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2008-10-16 EP EP08849808A patent/EP2220465A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2008-10-16 MX MX2010005219A patent/MX2010005219A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2008-10-16 WO PCT/IN2008/000682 patent/WO2009063506A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0016929A1 (en) * | 1979-03-31 | 1980-10-15 | VDO Adolf Schindling AG | Device for monitoring a supply of liquid lubricant in a motor vehicle |
WO1982004316A1 (en) * | 1981-06-05 | 1982-12-09 | Gordon Bryce Fraser | Fluid level indicator |
FR2608758A1 (en) * | 1984-11-19 | 1988-06-24 | Seurin Henri | Level-detector and alarm bath accessory device |
GB2178238A (en) * | 1985-07-06 | 1987-02-04 | Teves Gmbh Alfred | Fluid reservoir filling level indicating device |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See also references of WO2009063506A2 * |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN106895894A (en) * | 2017-02-23 | 2017-06-27 | 武汉世纪水元科技股份有限公司 | A kind of portable water-proof type wireless electron water gauge |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2009063506A2 (en) | 2009-05-22 |
EP2220465A4 (en) | 2011-01-26 |
MX2010005219A (en) | 2010-08-03 |
BRPI0820044A2 (en) | 2015-05-12 |
WO2009063506A3 (en) | 2009-07-02 |
CA2705503A1 (en) | 2009-05-22 |
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